Moving to Luxembourg: what you need to know
Are you thinking of moving to Luxembourg as an expatriate? Here you will find advice to help you make your decision and successfully integrate into your new life.
To live and integrate in Luxembourg, here are 10 important points to know for a successful expatriation.
Luxembourg is a multilingual country with many expats
Luxembourg is a multicultural and multilingual country. Nearly half of the population is foreign. The three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, and German)are spoken fluently, as is English. Knowing one of these languages will greatly facilitate your expatriation and integration. Don't speak any of these languages? There are many places to learn languages in Luxembourg. Don't hesitate to contact one of them to quickly learn an official language or improve your English. This will be very useful in your daily life and when looking for a job.
You can also find our short Luxembourgish conversation guide here to help you make your first contacts. Native speakers will appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if it's just a few words like "Moïen" or "Äddi."
Great job opportunities
Luxembourg welcomes new immigrants every day, attracted by its thriving economy. Financial services, industry, construction, and new technologies offer numerous job opportunities. Expatriate candidates and expatriate spouses can find new jobs fairly easily.
Check out job boards, sign up on LinkedIn, and put your network to work...
Luxembourg's healthcare system is of high quality
In Luxembourg, access to healthcare is easy. Healthcare is high quality and generally well covered thanks to mandatory social security contributions.
The medical and hospital infrastructure is very well developed. There are many general practitioners and specialists. It is easy to get appointments fairly quickly. However, make sure you have supplementary health insurance to cover accidents.
Don't hesitate to join LAR - Luxemburg Air Rescue, to protect your family and help save lives.
Luxembourg's transport network makes it easy to get around
Luxembourg's transport system is well developed. It is easy for residentsto get around , whether within the country or to neighboring countries, by car or public transport. New expats will quickly find their bearings and be able to get around with ease.
The road network is excellent. The only downside is traffic jams at the entrances and exits of Luxembourg during rush hour.
It is also worth noting that public transport is free for everyone. Luxembourg was the first country to introduce free travel throughout the country on buses and second-class trains. This is a major step forward for sustainable mobility.
Any plans to move abroad must take the cost of living into account
On the downside, anyone moving to Luxembourg needs to be aware that the cost of living is quite high. Housing costs in particular weigh heavily on household budgets . Many families are now deciding to settle in neighboring countries rather than Luxembourg. Housing is much cheaper there, allowing Luxembourg residents to achieve a better financial balance.
It is important to consider the financial aspect if you are planning to move to Luxembourg. Even though Luxembourg may seem attractive at first glance, this aspect should not be overlooked. Furthermore, prices have skyrocketed since 2021, and wage indexation is not always enough to offset the increase, especially when filling your shopping cart at the supermarket.
A work culture focused on efficiency and respect
In Luxembourg, the culture is focused on punctuality, efficiency, and sticking to schedules.
Don't be late when you are invited to someone's home, as your hosts will be waiting for you on time. Similarly, if you are hosting guests at your home, expect them to be on time. If you have a business meeting, be sure to arrive on time.
In addition, to facilitate your integration as a new employee in a company, it is also important to exercise discretion and respect the hierarchy at work.
Traditions that facilitate the integration of expats
Luxembourg has a very rich cultural history. Luxembourgers are very attached to their traditions.
Numerous local festivals and events offer great opportunities for expats to discover Luxembourgish culture and traditions. Throughout the year, expat families can easily go out and participate in various local events. This will make their integration into their new country all the more successful.
An inclusive education system for newcomers
According to the latest PISA study (2018), Luxembourg scores below the OECD average in the three areas of competence assessed. It must be said that Luxembourg's linguistic and migratory characteristics do not make it easy to achieve good results. Indeed, Luxembourg is the OECD country with the highest number of immigrant students whose mother tongue is different from those studied in Luxembourg schools. Public schools offer an environment conducive to the integration of newcomers.
The school system is largely adapted to Luxembourg's multicultural population and its many expatriates.
In addition, the Luxembourg education system is of high quality. Education is multilingual, with a strong emphasis on foreign languages. Newly arrived students are supported by a tailored program to facilitate the integration of the many expatriates in Luxembourg.
Residence permits and work permits
If you are planning to move and/or work in Luxembourg, it is important to understand the requirements for expatriate visas and work permits. Find out about the necessary administrative procedures before you arrive as an expatriate. This will save you administrative hassle upon arrival.
A successful expatriation requires the involvement of expatriates
Luxembourg offers a wide variety of social and cultural activities. There are many restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, bars, museums, traditional events, green spaces, and more. However, it is a good idea to get involved in community and extra-community activities to increase your chances of meeting people and integrating more easily into local life.
By consulting our pages, you can find out more about the specifics and details of each of these points to facilitate your integration and make your expatriation project in Luxembourg a success.
Essential information to know before living in Luxembourg.
Welcome to Luxembourg!
All the essential information you need when arriving in Luxembourg can be found in the Just Arrived Guide. Download it for free.